Happy kids,
Happy parents!
We are proud to create a nurturing and enriching environment for our students every day.
Our program is more than just a place to learn and play, it’s a home away from home where children grow, explore, and thrive. Don’t just take our word for it, see what our families have to say!
Rachel Aviner
When I heard there was going to be an after-school program at Anshai, I was interested immediately. I knew it would solve 2 problems I was trying to solve: my son spending too many hours on a screen while my husband and I were still working and our search for a non-religious based Jewish education.
I signed him up but was nervous to tell him since I know he was very happy with his after school routine of coming right home after a long day of school.
Our 4th grader started The Hangout 3 times a week when school started this past August. He had some natural trepidation, texting me from his watch to remind me to pick him up each day. By October those texts stopped coming. He now asks me not to pick him up too early as he doesn’t want to miss learning Hebrew or playing the daily game with his friends. He has enjoyed the field trips which are all centered on community service events, such as an animal shelter or elder care home. He's starting to form real friendships with the others at The Hangout, asking to get together with them on weekends. The most surprising part was when he told me he wants to go 5 times a week next year. I am incredibly grateful for Mrs. Rakefet Manor and all the other students giving my son such a positive experience!
Rebecca Conroy
The Hangout is the absolute best program for my kids!! The program encompasses everything that is meant for childcare. Not only are my kids constantly learning new things, they are having fun while doing it. Every time I go pick them up, it’s always an argument for “five more minutes “. They never want to leave! They have made so many friends and formed so many bonds. Rakefet and her staff spend so much time diligently thinking of the best activities for the children. I would absolutely recommend this program to anybody.
Jennifer Brill
Finding a quality after school program in Plano is not easy. Finding one that is an entire afternoon program is even harder. For parents like me, who have kids that need structured programs, The Hangout is a life saver. The Hangout is not school, but my son is learning invaluable lessons. The Hangout is not camp, but my son comes home with art projects and family activity suggestions. When I drop my son off, his friends and teachers greet him like family. And when I pick him up in the evening, he is tired enough to sit and have a nice relaxing dinner with the family. If this was all The Hangout provided, dayenu, but there is more. My sense of security, knowing that the building is safe and that all the people in the building are accounted for gives me the peace of mind I need when I leave my child somewhere without my supervision. Anshai Torah was already like our second home but now that my son is in The Hangout, I know that he feels at home as well. I really could not possibly sing enough praises to Rakefet Manor who have created a curated program that keeps my son engaged just at the time of day that it is most difficult to do. Next year my daughter will be in Kindergarten and you can bet she will be joining her brother. If you are looking for scholastic and camp experience for your children after school, you have found it.
Leah Avni
We have been thrilled with the time our son has spent at the Hangout. He tells us it is by far the best part of his day. He is Autistic and they have done a wonderful job of helping him feel included and comfortable especially during activities they have been difficult or overstimulating for him. I can tell they have worked hard with the other kids to build a sense of community where they too look out for him and encourage him to participate.
We have also been happy with the quality of Jewish education he is receiving and his comfort level with being in the synagogue and knowledge of the holidays, Hebrew and Jewish concepts. Every week he is learning something new and having fun.
I would definitely recommend this program to other families looking for a fun, safe and caring environment for their children.
Neta-Lee Belmont
The Hangout has been an incredible experience for our daughter! She attends five days a week and absolutely loves it so much that she always asks us to pick her up later so she can participate in all the fun activities.
This program is so much more than just a Jewish aftercare. The staff goes above and beyond, using creative and outside-the-box methods to incorporate Jewish values and learning into everyday life. Our daughter has learned so much—not just about Judaism, but also improving her Hebrew reading, schoolwork, and English reading every day—making it feel like she’s back in a private Jewish day school.
The teachers are truly amazing! They create a warm and engaging environment, and we love how they send so many pictures, keeping us connected to our daughter’s experiences. We couldn’t be happier with The Hangout and highly recommend it to any family looking for a meaningful and enriching aftercare program!
Diana Bornstain
We can't say enough good things about the Hangout. The fact that they pick up our kids from school and take them directly to the Hangout is a huge stress reliever. All the staff there are extremely trustworthy and reliable and I never worry when my son is there with them, as I know they take excellent care of him. I also know my son loves it there because he never wants to leave! He tells me about all the fun activities they do, how much he learns while he is there, the books he reads, and all the new friends he has made. It really is a wonderful afterschool program and we are grateful to be part of it.